SafeGuard Armor

SafeGuard Clothing Are Premium Manufacturers, Designers and Suppliers Of Body Armor In The U.S. We are a world leading manufacturer and designer of advanced Kevlar body armor. We distribute our bullet, stab & spike proof vests in the U.S. and Europe, and supply body armor solutions to 1000's of companies and individuals around the world.

Personal Protection for Private Security Personnel

The use of private security personnel for community and business safety has increased in recent years. One Californian neighborhood – Rockbridge, in Oakland – has begun employing a private security firm to arrange patrols, after numerous crimes pushed citizens to take action. While police departments are, of course, still widely active and vital to a functioning society, budget cuts and red-tape prevent them from providing the continual presence many people would prefer. Private security firms, on the other hand, have the freedom to operate in areas as and when they're required to, providing the visibility people demand to feel safe.

As a private security operative, you'll know that the level of danger you face depends entirely on your current assignment's specifics: the location's crime-rates; the type of people most likely to cause trouble; the potential gain said troublemakers may feel motivated by; and the amount of backup you'll be able to call on, among others. While the Rockbridge operative is required to patrol the streets (both commercial and residential) five days a week for several hours, you may find your assignment involves longer hours in more hostile areas. To stay as safe as possible, body armor is vital. If you've been in the sector for some time now, you're likely familiar with the range of bullet proof vests available, but what if you're new to the role, or have yet to incorporate armor into your uniform? Read on to learn everything you need to know to get started.

Choosing The Right Bullet Proof Vest

Picture the scene: you're hired to patrol a shopping mall in a high-crime area, with several jewelry and electronics shops in your specific route. A gang of armed thieves storm the stores, guns in hand, ready and willing to mow down anyone in their way – as a security guard, you're expected to make a stand and protect the stores' staff and property. You have a gun of your own, but you're unsure how much time you have to pull your weapon before they see you and open fire.

Without body armor, your chances of suffering a critical or, at least, devastating injury are significantly high: if multiple weapons are fired, you're likely to take a hit unless you can reach cover in time, or discharge your weapon first. A bullet proof vest, on the other hand, will take a bullet and absorb its energy through multiple layers of Kevlar, flattening the round before it can tear through the fibers. This may help you to feel more confident and better-equipped to make a stand.

Ballistic Armor

Bullet proof vests (otherwise known as ballistic vests) are manufactured in various types to provide varying levels of protection, dependent on the type of ammunition you expect to encounter. Level I is designed to stop .22 caliber ammo, with level IIA stopping rounds of the lower-velocity 9mm and .40 S&W range. Level II armor stops 9mm bullets of a higher velocity, as well as .357 Magnum rounds. Level IIIA defends against .44 Magnum and 9mm sub-machine gun rounds – this is the highest level of the soft armors.

Level III is the first hard armor, followed by level IV. III stops high-powered rifle ammo of the M80, 223 Remington, 30 Carbine FMJ, and 12 gauge rounds. Level IV is designed to stop armor-piercing rounds, incorporating hard plates (of ceramics or steel) alongside the Kevlar. These are the bulkiest types of armor, and are only needed in situations where the risk of heavy-duty weaponry is highest; in most cases, soft armors should be enough for patrolling malls, business sites, and neighborhoods. Hard armors should be available, though, in case the danger you expect increases – emergencies can, and do, happen.

Edged Blade and Spiked Weapon Armor

Not all criminals or suspicious individuals will carry guns, of course – knives and other sharp weapons may pose a threat across various assignment-types. If you're hired to patrol a public event, where drink and drugs are widely available, certain people may turn aggressive, and greet any attempts to calm or remove them with violence. Knives and other sharp objects can be smuggled into some locations more easily than guns, and stab vests (or edged blade vests) can help keep you safe from injuries directed at the vital organs.

These are manufactured with multiple levels of Kevlar and a tight weave, with stab vests generally offering varying levels of spike protection, too; in these cases, the vest will have a very tight weave, to stop blades used in stabbing and slashing attacks, and pointed tips driven at the body with considerable force. Spiked weapons – such as needles and syringes – may also carry a risk of contamination, so it's vital to ensure you're protected. These are also available in multiple levels, based on the amount of force an attacker uses, and the size of the blade.

Proper Fit is Key

During each assignment, you'll be expected to wear a particular outfit: in some cases, where visibility is a deterrent against potential trouble, you'll likely be asked to wear a uniform; in others, you may need to maintain a discrete profile, and be asked to wear civilian clothing. Both of these may affect the type of armor you wear, as some vests - such as ballistic levels III and IV – are too heavy to be worn comfortably under clothing.

Covert armor is designed to be worn underneath other layers, and features thinner, more lightweight materials, with breathable fabrics for maximum comfort over prolonged use. Overt armor is the standard design, worn over your uniform or civvies, in assignments demanding a clear, visible presence. Regardless of the armor's type, finding the right fit for your shape is essential to ensure the best protection. A vest should sit comfortably against the torso, and be neither too big nor too small: if it's too large, it can push up into your throat or drop with each movement, leaving you still vulnerable to injury; it it's too small, it may dig in at the sides and prove restrictive in situations demanding flexibility and agility. Measure your height and chest before you or your firm orders, and check these against the supplier's size chart for the most accurate purchase.